Machine tool

Abstract

A machine tool according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, which is capable of appropriately performing a preparation work, is provided with: a machining device for machining a workpiece by means of a cutter; one or a plurality of tag readers that read a tag that is attached to a removable article including the cutter and that records unique ID information; and a control device having a preparation display unit that displays work information of a preparation work to be performed by a worker on the basis of the ID information read by the tag reader.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a machine tool. Background Art

[0002] A method of using tags such as RFID for the management of various manufacturing processes is proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a production management system that can determine the content of the work to be performed by an automatic machine based on information read from an ID plate (tag) installed on an automatic transport trolley or pallet for transporting a processing object.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 4-199304 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] Even if the required work content can be understood by using tags to identify the processing object, it is still necessary to ensure that the automatic machine is in a state where it can perform the required work. Specifically, if the tool is not properly installed on the machine tool performing the work, the desired processing cannot be performed accurately. In other words, preparatory work such as installing the tool on the machine tool is required to be performed appropriately.

[0008] Solutions for solving problems

[0009] A machine tool involved in one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a processing device that processes a workpiece by means of a tool; one or more tag readers that read tags, wherein the tags are attached to loadable and detachable items including the tool and record unique ID information; and a control device that has a preparation display unit that displays work information of preparation work to be performed by an operator based on the ID information read by the tag reader.

[0010] Effects of the Invention

[0011] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to appropriately perform preparation work for a machine tool. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the structure of a machine tool according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 It is a block diagram showing the structure of a machine tool 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] The machine tool 1 processes the workpiece W by means of a tool T. Tags for recording unique ID information can be attached to the workpiece W, the tool T, and items required for processing the workpiece W (e.g., a connector (adapter) for mounting the tool). In addition, a tag storing unique ID information of the operator is also attached to, for example, an ID card and distributed to the operator who uses the machine tool 1. For example, an IC tag, a barcode, etc. can be used as the tag.

[0015] The machine tool 1 includes: one or more tag readers 10 for reading tags; a processing device 20, which processes a workpiece W by moving the workpiece W and a tool T relative to each other; a tool changing device 30, which changes the tool T of the processing device 20; a control device 40, which controls the processing device 20 and the tool changing device 30; and a manual pulse generator 50, which is connected to the control device 40.

[0016] The tag reader 10 reads the information recorded on the tag. As the tag reader 10, a reader corresponding to the tag is used, but a non-contact reading device is preferably used. The tag reader 10 can be provided in the processing device 20, the tool changer 30, the control device 40, and the manual pulse generator 50. In particular, in the processing device 20 and the tool changer 30, the tag reader 10 is configured to read the tag in a state where each item is arranged in a state where the workpiece W can be processed.

[0017] In order to process the workpiece W by the tool T, the processing device 20 can be configured to include: a table 21 that directly holds the workpiece W or holds the workpiece W via a jig J; a chuck 22 that holds the tool T; and a plurality of drive shafts (including a main shaft) A0 to A5 for relatively moving the table 21 and the chuck 22. In addition, a label can also be attached to the jig J.

[0018] The tool changing device 30 has a plurality of tool holders 31 that respectively hold tools T and are selectively positioned relative to the chuck 22. In the tool changing device 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown, the label reader 10 is preferably configured to read the label of the tool T held by the tool holder 31 positioned at the specified confirmation position. As an alternative, although not shown, if the label reader 10 is provided in each of the plurality of tool holders 31 of the tool changing device 30, and the label of the tool T held by the tool holder 31 is read, the corresponding relationship between the tool holder 31 and the held tool T can be accurately confirmed. As another alternative, it is also possible to attach labels to each of the tool holders 31, and continuously read the label of the tool holder 31 and the label of the held tool T by the movable label reader 10.

[0019] The control device 40 has a processing control unit 41, a preparation operation storage unit 42, a preparation display unit 43, a mode change unit 44, a usage time recording unit 45, a life notification unit 46, and a work log recording unit 47. The control device 40 can be implemented by one or more computer devices that have a memory, a processor, an input / output interface, a monitor, etc., and execute an appropriate control program. In this embodiment, the control device 40 is a so-called numerical control device. The above-mentioned components of the control device 40 are obtained by classifying the functions of the control device 40, and may not be components that can be clearly distinguished in terms of physical structure and program structure.

[0020] The machining control unit 41 controls the machining operation of the workpiece W performed by the machining device 20 according to a machining program described by, for example, a G code or the like. The machining control unit 41 can be configured similarly to a machining control unit in a known numerical controller.

[0021] The preparation work storage unit 42 is a database that stores the work information of the preparation work that the operator should do. The work information of the preparation work includes information of the items to be used. Specifically, the work information includes the type or ID of the workpiece W that the workbench 21 should hold, the type or ID of the jig J, the type or ID of the tool T that should be installed in the chuck 22 or the tool holder 31 of the tool changing device 30, etc. The preparation work storage unit 42 can also be configured to be able to update the work information of the preparation work to be stored from an external server (not shown).

[0022] In the machine tool 1, since it is conceivable that different processing is performed for each operator, the operation information of the preparation operation can also be stored in a manner associated with the operator's ID. In addition, the preparation operation storage unit 42 can also include other databases that associate the operator's ID with the preparation operation, such as a processing schedule for each operator's ID.

[0023] The preparation display unit 43 displays the work information of the preparation work that the operator should do based on the ID information read by the tag reader 10. The work information can be displayed on the monitor of the control device 40, or on the monitor of the manual pulse generator 50 or other external device. The preparation display unit 43 is configured to obtain the work information of the corresponding preparation work from the preparation work storage unit 42 or an external server based on the ID information read by the tag reader 10. By configuring the preparation work storage unit 42 or the preparation display unit 43 to obtain the work information from the external server, the setting change of the preparation work can be easily performed.

[0024] By determining the article to which the tag is attached based on the ID information read by the tag reader 10, the preparatory work required for the article can be determined. As an example, when the ID information of the tool T is determined, the preparatory display unit 43 displays the number of the tool holder 31 of the tool replacement device 30 on which the tool T should be installed, the type of connector (not shown) required for installation, etc. as work information. In addition, it is preferred to also attach a label to the connector. Thereby, the operator can perform the preparatory work appropriately. In the case where the required preparatory work includes multiple processes, the work information can also be displayed sequentially for each process.

[0025] When the ID information is information for identifying an operator, the preparation display unit 43 is preferably configured to obtain operation information associated with the identified operator. For example, in a site where a large number of products are produced in small quantities, each operator is sometimes required to use the machine tool 1 to manufacture different products. In this case, the preparation display unit 43 can determine the product to be manufactured by using the operator's ID as a search keyword. Thus, since the content of the required preparation work can be accurately determined, production efficiency can be reliably improved. In order to obtain the operator's ID information, the control device 40 can also be configured to require the tag reader 10 to read the operator's ID card.

[0026] When the tag reader 10 reads the ID information of the article related to the work information displayed on the preparation display unit 43, the mode change unit 44 changes the display mode of the work information to indicate that the work has been completed.

[0027] The usage time recording unit 45 records the usage time of the tool T for each ID information. Thus, the life of the tool T can be managed for each individual. That is, even if a plurality of tools T of the same type are used in parallel, the degree of wear of each tool T can be grasped relatively accurately.

[0028] When the usage time of the tool T read by the tag reader 10 is greater than the upper limit, the life notification unit 46 prompts the operator to replace the tool T. This can prevent processing defects caused by using the tool T that has exceeded its life. In addition, the life notification unit 46 can also be configured to prompt the operator to replace the tool T not only when the tag reader 10 reads the tag, but also when the usage time of the installed tool T exceeds the upper limit due to processing by the processing control unit 41.

[0029] The operation log recording unit 47 records the time from when the operation information is displayed on the preparation display unit 43 to when the ID information of the object presented in the operation information is read. In this way, the operation efficiency of the preparation operation can be confirmed. In addition, by recording the time from when the ID information of the object is read for each operator's ID, the accuracy and proficiency of the operation of each operator can be objectively evaluated.

[0030] The manual pulse generator 50 is a well-known terminal for inching operation for the operator to operate the processing device 20 to a desired driving amount. By providing the label reader 10 on the portable manual pulse generator 50, it is possible to relatively easily read the label attached to an object such as a tool T. In addition, by setting the manual pulse generator 50 to read the label of the object when the object is installed in the processing device 20 or the tool changer 30, it is possible to omit the label reader 10 for the processing device 20 and the tool changer 30, and it is possible to ensure that the appropriate object is installed in the appropriate position relatively accurately.

[0031] The machine tool 1 involved in the present disclosure has a preparation display unit 43 that displays work information of the preparation work that the operator should do based on the ID information read by the tag reader 10, so that appropriate preparation work can be ensured, that is, appropriate tools T, jigs J and other items can be ensured to be installed in appropriate places.

[0032] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-mentioned embodiment and modified examples.

[0033] (Note 1)

[0034] The machine tool (1) comprises: a processing device (20) which processes a workpiece (W) by means of a tool (T); one or more tag readers (10) which read tags, the tags being attached to loadable and detachable items (T, W, J) including the tool (T) and recording unique ID information; and a control device (40) which has a preparation display unit (43) which displays work information of preparation work to be performed by an operator based on the ID information read by the tag reader (10).

[0035] (Note 2)

[0036] Alternatively, when the ID information is information for identifying an operator, the preparation display unit (43) may acquire operation information associated with the operator.

[0037] (Note 3)

[0038] Alternatively, the preparation display unit (43) may obtain the operation information from an external server.

[0039] (Note 4)

[0040] Alternatively, the operation information displayed by the preparation display unit (43) includes information about the items (T, W, J) to be used, and the control device (40) further includes a mode changing unit (44), and when the ID information of the items (T, W, J) related to the operation information is read by the tag reader (10), the mode changing unit (44) changes the display mode of the operation information.

[0041] (Note 5)

[0042] Alternatively, the control device (40) may further include a work log recording unit (47) for recording the time from when the preparation display unit (43) displays the work information to when the ID information of the article (T, W, J) is read.

[0043] (Note 6)

[0044] Alternatively, the tag reader (10) is disposed on the manual pulse generator (30).

[0045] (Note 7)

[0046] Alternatively, the machine tool further includes a tool changing device (30), wherein the tool changing device (30) has a plurality of tool holders (31) each holding a tool (T), and the label reader (10) is configured to read a label of a tool (T) held by a tool holder (31) positioned at a specified confirmation position.

[0047] (Note 8)

[0048] The machine tool may further include a tool replacement device (30), wherein the tool replacement device (30) includes a plurality of tool holders for respectively holding the tools, and the tag readers (10) are respectively provided in the plurality of tool holders.

[0049] (Note 9)

[0050] The control device (40) may further include a usage time recording unit for recording usage time of the tool for each ID information.

[0051] The present disclosure is described in detail above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. The above-mentioned embodiments can be variously added, replaced, changed, or partially deleted without departing from the scope of the gist of the present disclosure or the scope of the purpose of the present disclosure derived from the contents recorded in the claims and their equivalents. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the order of each action and the order of each process are shown as an example and are not limited to these orders.

[0052] As an example, in the machine tool involved in the present disclosure, the tool changer and the manual pulse generator are not essential components. In addition, in the machine tool involved in the present disclosure, the structure of the processing device is an arbitrary structure. Moreover, in the control device of the machine tool involved in the present disclosure, the preparation operation storage unit, the mode change unit, the use time recording unit, the life notification unit, and the operation log recording unit are not essential structures.

[0053] Description of Reference Numerals

[0054] 1: machine tool; 10: tag reader; 20: processing device; 21: workbench; 22: chuck; 30: tool changing device; 31: tool holder; 40: control device; 41: processing control unit; 42: preparation operation storage unit; 43: preparation display unit; 44: mode change unit; 45: usage time recording unit; 46: life notification unit; 47: operation log recording unit; 50: manual pulse generator; A0~A5: drive; J: fixture; T: tool; W: workpiece.

Claims

1. A machine tool having: A processing device that processes a workpiece by means of a tool; One or more tag readers, the one or more tag readers reading tags, the tags being attached to detachable items including the knife and recording unique ID information; and The control device includes a preparation display unit that displays work information of preparation work to be performed by a worker based on the ID information read by the tag reader.

2. The machine tool according to claim 1, wherein: When the ID information is information for identifying the operator, the preparation display unit acquires the operation information associated with the operator.

3. The machine tool according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The preparation display unit acquires the operation information from an external server.

4. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The operation information displayed by the preparation display unit includes information about the items to be used. The control device further includes a mode changing unit configured to change a display mode of the operation information when the ID information of the article related to the operation information is read by the tag reader.

5. The machine tool according to claim 4, wherein: The control device further includes a work log recording unit that records a time from when the setup display unit displays the work information to when the ID information of the article is read.

6. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The label reader is arranged on the manual pulse generator.

7. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The machine tool further includes a tool changing device having a plurality of tool holders for respectively holding the tools. The tag reader is configured to read the tag of the tool held by the tool holder positioned at a prescribed confirmation position.

8. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The machine tool further includes a tool changing device having a plurality of tool holders for respectively holding the tools. The label readers are respectively disposed on the plurality of tool holders.

9. The machine tool according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The control device further includes a usage time recording unit configured to record usage time of the tool for each piece of ID information.

Images